The Bar Pro Bono Unit is a national charity that plays an increasingly fundamental part in the overall effort to maintain and improve access to justice in the UK.The Unit’s role is to act as a clearing house matching barristers from across England & Wales prepared to undertake pro bono work with those who need their help. It receives applications for assistance through advice agencies and solicitors, and aims to help in cases where the applicant cannot afford to pay for the assistance sought or obtain public funding, has a meritorious case, and needs the specialist advice or representation that a barrister can provide.The Unit itself does not give legal advice, but has a team of staff who co-ordinate the panel of 3500 volunteering barristers who assist on cases. The Unit works closely in partnership with the voluntary sector and with other pro bono providers, and is involved in a variety of projects and activities. It has a strong relationship with the profession, including the Bar Council, the Specialist Bar Associations and the Inns of Court.The number of people needing the help the Unit can bring is growing hugely. The Unit is now dealing with applications for specialist advice and representation at a rate of over 2000 a year and rising.We are seeking to appoint a Chief Executive to lead the organisation with the ability to manage scale, to organise efficiently, to maintain quality, and to retain the profession’s willingness to volunteer.The Unit is proud to be an equal opportunities employer.Application processPlease visit http://jobs.theguardian.com/job/6034624/chief-executive/ for further information about the job together with the job description and person specification.Please send a letter of application which addresses the person specification together with your CV and the completed equal opportunities monitoring form. All applications should be marked ‘Recruitment – private and confidential’ and sent to Rebecca Wilkie, Chief Executive, using the contact details below.Address – Bar Pro Bono Unit, The National Pro Bono Centre, London WC2A 1JFEmail - rebecca@barprobono.org.ukThe closing date for applications is Wednesday 18 March 2015.Interviews will be conducted by arrangement over the period 30 and 31 March and 1 April 2015.The start date is May but with some flexibility.